Sewage/ Wastewater Treatment Technologies

1. Activated Sludge Process

The most common suspended growth process used for municipal wastewater
treatment is the activated sludge process. The municipal wastewater treatment is the
BOD-removal. The removal of BOD is done by a biological process, such as
the suspended growth treatment process. This biological process is an aerobic process
and takes place in the aeration tank, in where the wastewater is aerated with oxygen.
By creating good conditions, bacteria will grow fast. The grow of bacteria creates
flocks and gases. These flocks will removed by a secondary clarifier. In the activated
sludge process, the dispersed-growth reactor is an aeration tank or basin containing as
suspension of the wastewater and microorganisms, the mixed liquor. The contents of
the aeration tank are mixed vigorously by aeration devices which also supply oxygen
to the biological suspension. Aeration devices commonly used include submerged
diffusers that release compressed air and mechanical surface aerators that introduce
air by agitating the liquid surface. Hydraulic retention time in the aeration tanks
usually ranges from 3 to 8 hours but can be higher with high BOD 5 wastewaters.
Following the aeration step, the microorganisms are separated from the liquid by
sedimentation and the clarified liquid is secondary effluents. A portion of the
biological sludge is recycled to the aeration basin to maintain a high mixed-liquor
suspended solids (MLSS) level. The remainder is removed from the process and sent
to sludge processing to maintain a relatively constant concentration of
microorganisms in the system. Several variation of the basic activated sludge process,
such as extended aeration and oxidation ditches, are in common use, but the principal
are similar:

2. Trickling Filters
A trickling filter or biofilter consists of a basin or tower filled with support media such as stones,
plastic shapes, or wooden slats. Wastewater is applied intermittently, or sometimes continuously,
over the media. Microorganisms become attached to the media and form a biological layer or
fixed film. Organic matter in the wastewater diffuses into the film, where it is metabolized.
Oxygen is normally supplied to the film by the natural flow of air either up or down through the
media, depending on the relative temperatures of the wastewater and ambient air. Forced air can
also be supplied by blowers but this is rarely necessary. The thickness of the biofilm increases as
new organisms grow. Periodically, portions of the film 'slough off the media. The sloughed
material is separated from the liquid in a secondary clarifier and discharged to sludge processing.
Clarified liquid from the secondary clarifier is the secondary effluent and a portion is often
recycled to the biofilter to improve hydraulic distribution of the wastewater over the filter.
 3. Rotating Biological Contactors
Rotating biological contactors (RBCs) are fixed-film reactors similar to biofilters in that
organisms are attached to support media. In the case of the RBC, the support media are slowly
rotating discs that are partially submerged in flowing wastewater in the reactor. Oxygen is
supplied to the attached biofilm from the air when the film is out of the water and from the liquid
when submerged, since oxygen is transferred to the wastewater by surface turbulence created by
the discs? rotation. Sloughed pieces of biofilm are removed in the same manner described for
biofilters.
High-rate biological treatment processes, in combination with primary sedimentation, typically
remove 85 % of the BOD5 and SS originally present in the raw wastewater and some of the
heavy metals. Activated sludge generally produces an effluent of slightly higher quality, in terms
of these constituents, than biofilters or RBCs. When coupled with a disinfection step, these
processes can provide substantial but not complete removal of bacteria and virus. However, they
remove very little phosphorus, nitrogen, non-biodegradable organics, or dissolved minerals.

4. Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Process

UASB is an anaerobic process whilst forming a blanket of granular sludge and suspended in the
tank. Wastewater flows upwards through the blanket and is processed by the anaerobic
microorganisms. The upward flow combined with the settling action of gravity suspends the
blanket with the aid of flocculants. The blanket begins to reach maturity at around 3 months.
Small sludge granules begin to form whose surface area is covered in aggregations of bacteria. In
the absence of any support matrix, the flow conditions create a selective environment in which
only those microorganisms, capable of attaching to each other, survive and proliferate.
Eventually the aggregates form into dense compact biofilms referred to as "granules".

How does the UASB Work?

Fine granular sludge blanket acts as a filter to prevent the solids in the incoming
wastes to flow through as the liquid part does. So if the hydraulic retention time
(HRT) does not change, which is limited to 1-3 days (the bigger the digester, the
shorter time it is, because the size costs money), the solid retention time (SRT) can be
10-30 days or more for more effective digestion, depending on the shape of the
digestion chamber. It means that the digester becomes much more efficient without
having to increase the size, which costs money. Wageningen University in the
Netherlands has started to do R & D along these lines.

Standing and hanging baffles are used, with a conic separation with a small outlet at
the center will be much more effective to keep the anaerobic sludge blanket in the
lower part of the digester. This will act as a very good filter to retard the flow of solids
in the wastes and prolong the solid retention time for more bacterial action. However,
the digester will be more economic if the loading can be increased for a specific size
of digester with the conic separation. COD reduction of 58% now obtained is
adequate, and no attempt should be made to increase the bacterial action at such high
costs. It is better to use much cheaper open tanks and basins for more effectiveness
and efficiency, as in the IF&WMS.

Bio-Chemical Activities in USAB Digesters Bacterial actions are in 3 phases in the digester and
they occur IN SEQUENCE:

1. Hydrolysis or solubilization - The first phase takes 10-15 days, and until the complex
organics are solubilized, they cannot be absorbed into the cells of the bacteria where they
are degraded by the endoenzymes;
2. Acidogenesis or acetogenesis - The result from stage one utilized by a second group of
organisms to form organic acids;
3. Methanogenesis - The methane-producing (methanogenic) anaerobic bacteria then use the
product of (2) to complete the decomposition process.

5. Waste Stabilization Ponds for Wastewater Treatment

Introduction
Waste water stabilization pond technology is one of the most important natural methods for
wastewater treatment. Waste stabilization ponds are mainly shallow man-made basins
comprising a single or several series of anaerobic, facultative or maturation ponds The primary
treatment takes place in the anaerobic pond, which is mainly designed for removing suspended
solids, and some of the soluble element of organic matter (BOD). During the secondary stage in
the facultative pond most of the remaining BOD is removed through the coordinated activity of
algae and heterotrophic bacteria. The main function of the tertiary treatment in the maturation
pond is the removal of pathogens and nutrients (especially nitrogen). Waste stabilization pond
technology is the most cost-effective wastewater treatment technology for the removal of
pathogenic micro-organisms. The treatment is achieved through natural disinfection
mechanisms. It is particularly well suited for tropical and subtropical countries because the
intensity of the sunlight and temperature are key factors for the efficiency of the removal
processes.

Water treatment in waste stabilization ponds

(a) Anaerobic ponds
These units are the smallest of the series. Commonly they are 2-5 m deep and receive high
organic loads equivalent to100 g BOD/m3 d. These high organic loads produce strict anaerobic
conditions (no dissolved oxygen) throughout the pond. In general terms, anaerobic ponds
function much like open septic tanks and work extremely well in warm climates. A properly
designed anaerobic pond can achieve around 60% BOD removal at 20° C. One-day hydraulic
retention time is sufficient for wastewater with a BOD of up to 300 mg/l and temperatures higher
than 20° C. Designers have always been preoccupied by the possible odour they might cause.
However, odour problems can be minimised in well designed ponds, if the SO42- concentration
in wastewater is less than 500 mg/l. The removal of organic matter in anaerobic ponds follows
the same mechanisms that take place in any anaerobic reactor.

(b) Facultative ponds

These ponds are of two types: primary facultative ponds receive raw wastewater, and secondary
facultative ponds receive the settled wastewater from the first stage (usually the effluent from
anaerobic ponds). Facultative ponds are designed for BOD removal on the basis of a low organic
surface load to permit the development of an active algal population. This way, algae generate
the oxygen needed to remove soluble BOD. Healthy algae populations give water a dark green
colour but occasionally they can turn red or pink due to the presence of purple sulphide-oxidising
photosynthetic activity. This ecological change occurs due to a slight overload. Thus, the change
of colouring in facultative ponds is a qualitative indicator of an optimally performing removal
process. The concentration of algae in an optimally performing facultative pond depends on
organic load and temperature, but is usually in the range 500 to 2000 μg chlorophyll per litre.
The photosynthetic activity of the algae results in a diurnal variation in the concentration of
dissolved oxygen and pH values. Variables such as wind velocity have an important effect on the
behaviour of facultative ponds, as they generate the mixing of the pond liquid. As Mara et
al. indicate, a good degree of mixing ensures a uniform distribution of BOD, dissolved oxygen,
bacteria and algae, and hence better wastewater stabilization. More technical details on the
efficiency of the process and removal mechanisms can be found in Mara et al. and Curtis.

(c) Maturation ponds

These ponds receive the effluent from a facultative pond and its size and number depend on the
required bacteriological quality of the final effluent. Maturation ponds are shallow (1.0-1.5 m)
and show less vertical stratification, and their entire volume is well oxygenated throughout the
day. Their algal population is much more diverse than that of facultative ponds. Thus, the algal
diversity increases from pond to pond along the series. The main removal mechanisms especially
of pathogens and faecal coliforms are ruled by algal activity in synergy with photo-oxidation.
On the other hand, maturation ponds only achieve a small removal of BOD, but their
contribution to nitrogen and phosphorus removal is more significant. A report on total nitrogen
removal of 80% in all waste stabilization pond systems, which in this figure corresponds to 95%
ammonia removal. It should be emphasised that most ammonia and nitrogen is removed in
maturation ponds. However, the total phosphorus removal in WSP systems is low, usually less
than 50%.

Operation and maintenance

Starting up the system, Once the construction of the system has been completed it should be
checked that all ponds are free of vegetation. This is very important if the waste stabilization
pond is not waterproof. Facultative ponds should be filled prior to anaerobic ponds to avoid
odour release when anaerobic pond effluent discharges into an empty facultative pond .
Anaerobic ponds should be filled with raw wastewater and seeded whenever possible with
biosolids from another anaerobic reactor. Later, the anaerobic ponds can be gradually loaded up
to the design?s loading rate. This gradual loading period can be from one to four weeks
depending on the quality of the digester used or in case the pond was not seeded during the start-
up procedure. It is important to measure the pH in the anaerobic pond and maintain it above 7 to
permit the development of the methanogenic bacterial population. During the first month it may
be necessary to add lime, to avoid the acidification of the reactor.
Initially, facultative and maturation ponds should be filled with freshwater from a river, lake or
well, so as to permit the gradual development of the algal and heterotrophic bacterial population.
If freshwater is unavailable, facultative ponds should be filled with raw wastewater and left for
three to four weeks to allow the aforementioned microbial populations to develop. A small
amount of odour release is inevitable during the implementation of the latter method in the
facultative pond.

Routine maintenance
Once the waste stabilization ponds have started to operate, it is necessary to carry out regular
routine maintenance tasks. Although simple, these tasks are essential to the good operation of the
system.
 Removal of screening and grit retained in the inlet works during the preliminary treatment.
 Cutting, pruning and removing the grass and vegetation that grows on the embankment to
prevent it from falling into the pond and generating the formation of mosquito breeding
habitats. The use of slow-growing grass or vegetation is recommended to minimise the
frequency of this task.
 Removal of floating scum and macrophytes (e.g. Lemna spp.) from facultative and
maturation ponds to maximise photosynthesis and surface re-aeration, and prevent fly and
mosquito breeding.
 Spraying the scum on the surface of anaerobic ponds (which should not be removed as it
aids the treatment process). In the event fly breeding is detected this material should be
sprayed with clean water.
 Removal of any accumulated solids in the pond?s inlets and outlets.
 Repair of any damage to the embankments caused by rodents or other animals.
 Repair of any damage to external fences and gates or points of access to the system.
The operator responsible should register these activities in a pond maintenance record sheet.
Usually this operator is also in charge of taking samples and measurements of the pond?s
effluent flow.

6. Aerated Lagoons ? Wastewater Treatment

The mechanic-biological purification of the waste water takes place in one or more
aerated lagoons according to the size of the plant, which are followed by an non-
aerated sedimentation and polishing pond. The sewage coming from the canalisation
is normally led directly into the first aerated lagoon without mechanical pre-
purification. So the continuous disposal of screenings, sand and sedimentation sludge
and its maintenance efforts can be omitted. Coarse stuff, sand and heavy sludge settle
in the inlet zone while dissolved contaminant are distributed in the whole first
lagoon. Liable to putrefy matter should mainly be stabilized by aerobic processes to
avoid odours and digested sludge coming up to the water surface. According to our
experience sludge at the inlet zone of the first aerated waste water lagoon has to be
removed at regular intervals of several years. To exhaust and bring the sludge out
liquid manure-vacuum-tankers are used. Floating solids are retained by a scum board
in the inlet area. They should be removed once or twice a week with a rake.

To design bigger plants (> 1,500 ? 2,000 p.e) it has of course to be considered carefully if a
mechanical pre-purification of the waste water by a fine screen or a sieve offer still more
advantages. Purification processes in an aerated waste water lagoon are best compared with those
of a loaded water flow. Unlike activated sludge plants where suspended activated sludge
eliminates the dissolved contaminant out of the waste water the active biomass is essentially as a
fixed biological film at the bottom of the lagoon. Basic requirement for an extensive biological
reduction of the dissolved contaminant is therefore in addition to a sufficient oxygen transfer the
effective circulation and mixing of the lagoons. So stagnant zones can be avoided and an
everlasting exchange of water in the area of the fixed biological film at the bottom of the lagoon
is ensured.

Treatment of storm-water
Due to the long retention times (approx. 10 days) and the low load aerated waste water lagoons
dispose of a high buffering capacity compared to the waste water load.
Unlike activated sludge plants there is no danger that the active biomass is carried out at
hydraulic overload. Accordingly a simultaneous rainwater treatment is easily possible. There are
often no special measures and the whole rainwater is led through the lagoons.
It is a good solution to operate the first aerated lagoon in backwater. When reaching the
maximum water level a pond overflow structure will go into operation. In the case the first
aerated lagoon is designed as a storm-water tank to retain the first amount of discharge storm-
water, the storm-water overflow in front of the pond overflow will go into operation.

Aeration of waste water lagoons

FUCHS Spiral Aerators meet the requirements of an aeration system for the aeration, mixing and
circulation in a special wax. For information concerning design and operation of these machines
please see our prospectus « FUCHS Spiral Aerator ». If the Spiral Aerators have a suitable
position in hydraulic well designed ponds an even circulation flow is formed at the lowest power
requirement. It includes the whole volume of the pond and grants an even oxygen transfer and
mixing. In bigger, round or square shaped ponds also the FUCHS Circulation Aerator is in
operation. According to their flow pattern they are installed in the middle of the ponds. They
mainly cause a vertical shifting and mixing of the waste water and complete the flow developed
by the Spiral Aerators. Both aerator types have a robust construction and are almost
maintenance-free. Due to their little weight a fast and easy installation without hoist is possible.
It also causes no difficulties and no expenditure to dismount the machines for example for
deslurrying the pond. The machines are preferably installed on a floating devices. If a constant
water level is granted, the aerators can also be installed on bridges.
The machines have the following advantages : high circulation and mixing capacity minimum
maintenance requirements no danger of clogging, also at intermittent operation or power failure
no spray water no odour problems no noise problems no frost problems no big fan station and
compressed air pipes

7. Oxidation Ponds

Oxidation Ponds are also known as stabilization ponds or lagoons. They are used for
simple secondary treatment of sewage effluents. Within an oxidation
pond heterotrophic bacteria degrade organic matter in the sewage which results in
production of cellular material and minerals. The production of these supports the
growth of algae in the oxidation pond. Growth of algal populations allows furthur
decomposition of the organic matter by producing oxygen. The production of this
oxygen replenishes the oxygen used by the heterotrophic bacteria. Typically oxidation
ponds need to be less than 10 feet deep in order to support the algal growth. In
addition, the use of oxidation ponds is largely restricted to warmer climate regions
because they are strongly influenced by seasonal temperature changes. Oxidation
ponds also tend to fill, due to the settling of the bacterial and algal cells formed during
the decomposition of the sewage. Overall, oxidation ponds tend to be inefficient and
require large holding capacities and long retention times. The degradation is relatively
slow and the effluents containing the oxidized products need to be periodically
removed from the ponds.

8. Karnal Technology

The Karnal Technology involves growing tree on ridges 1m wide and 50cm high wand disposing
of the untreated sewage in furrows. The amount of the sewage/ effluents to be disposed off
depends upon the age, type of plants, climatic conditions, soil texture and quality of effluents.
The total discharge of effluent is so regulated that it is consumed within 12-18 hours and there is
no standing water left in the trenches. Through this technique, it is possible to dispose off 0.3 to
1.0 ML of effluent per day per hectare. This technique utilizes the entire biomass as living filter
for supplying nutrients to soil and plant; irrigation renovates the effluent for atmospheric re-
charge and ground storage. Further, as forest plants are to be used for fuel wood, timber or pulp,
there is no chance of pathogens, heavy metals and organic compounds to enter into the human
food chain system, a point that is a limiting factor when vegetables or other crops are grown with
sewage.
Though most of the plants are suitable for utilizing the effluents, yet, those tree species which are
fast growing can transpire high amounts of water and are able to with stand high moisture
content in the root environment are most suitable for such purposes. Eucalyptus is one such
species, which has the capacity to transpire large amounts of water, and remains active through
out the year.
Other species suitable for this purpose are poplar and leucaena. Out of these three species,
eucalyptus seems to be the best choice as poplar remains dormant in winter and thus cannot bio-
drain effluent during winter months. However, if area is available and the volume of effluent is
small, a combination of popular and eucalyptus is the best propagation. This technology for
sewage water use is relatively cheap and no major capital is involved. The expenditure of
adopting this technology involves cost of making ridges, cost of plantation and their care.
This system generates gross returns from the sale of fuel wood. The sludge accumulating in the
furrows along with the decaying forest litter can be exploited as an additional source of
revenue. As the sewage water itself provides nutrients and irrigation ameliorates the sodic soil by
lowering the pH, relatively unfertile wastelands can be used for this purpose. This technology is
economically viable as it involves only the cost of water conveyance from source to fields for
irrigation and does not require highly skilled personnel as well. This technology seems to be
most appropriate and economical viable proposition for the rural areas as this technology is used
to raise forestry, which would aid in re-storing environment and to generate biomass.

9. Duckweed

Duckweeds are very common in Iowa waters. These aquatic plants are the world smallest and
simplest flowering plants. Duckweeds are floating plants that grow on the surface of still or slow
moving waters during warmer weather. Because duckweeds usually reproduce by budding, they
can multiply very quickly and cover the entire surface of a pond in a short amount of time. Small
numbers of duckweeds will not harm a pond, but large numbers will block sunlight from entering
the pond and upset the ponds oxygen balance, placing the fish population in danger.
The Lemna spp. are the most common duckweeds. Lemna grow up to 4 mm (5/32 in) wide and
have a single root dangling from the ÒleafÓ of the plant. Duckweeds do not have true leaves or
stems; the roundish, flattened Òleaflike Ó part of the plant is called a frond.
Another type, watermeal (Wolffia spp.), are the smallest of the duckweeds. These plants are so
tiny that they look like grains of green meal floating on the water surface. They are generally less
than 1 mm (1/32 in) wide and barely visible as individuals. This type of duckweed does not have
roots.

Control

Many times control is necessary because the duckweeds reproduce rapidly and can cover a pond
causing oxygen problems.

Biological Control

Biological control refers to the use of one organism to control the growth of another. Biological
control of duckweeds may be accomplished through the use of grass carp, koi, or goldfish. These
fish will all eat duckweed, but results are highly variable. Biological control is much more
effective if implemented before the duckweed become a problem; once established, biological
controls are not effective since duckweed reproduce so quickly.

Lemna spp. of duckweed are tiny plants that can quickly spread over a pond?s surface.
Wolffia spp. of duckweed are so tiny, they look like green grains of meal sprinkled on the pond
surface.
Chemical Control

Chemical control (using herbicides) is probably the most effective way to control the duckweeds.
Diquat and 2,4-D (liquid ester formulation) are sold under various trade names and both have
good control of duckweed. Sonarä (fluridone) has excellent control of duckweed. Only fluridone
applications allow for fair to good control of watermeal. Both 2,4-D and diquat have varying
water use restrictions depending on formulation and rate. Fluridone does not have restrictions on
drinking (by humans or livestock), swimming, or fish consumption after application. However, a
restriction of 30 days is required before irrigation with treated water. For good control
of Duckweed, 2,4-D must be used as a liquid ester formulation; however, the liquid ester
formulation is toxic to fish. Therefore, 2,4-D formulations should be used with extreme caution
when treating ponds with fish or only used for ornamental ponds without fish. 2,4-D is a
translocated herbicide and kills plants over
time. Treatment with 2,4-D formulations cost approximately $50-100/surface acre.

One trade name of diquat, Rewardä, is applied at a rate of 1 gallon/surface acre of water. At this
rate, approximate cost of treatment is $150-250/surface acre. However, diquat is a contact
herbicide and may be used as a foliar application, which could reduce the cost of treatment
substantially. When using diquat as a foliar application, an approved nonionic surfactant is
required. Also, diquat is tightly bound to clay and is not effective in muddy water. Diquat kills
plants quickly, so only small areas at a time should be treated when dense vegetation is present.
Small treatments help to avoid pond oxygen depletion when large amounts of vegetation are
killed. Sonarä (fluridone) is a translocated herbicide that kills plants over a long period of time
(30-90 days). Fluridone is not effective as a spot treatment; the entire pond must be treated to
control duckweeds. In water, Sonarä is applied at the rate of 0.16 Ð 0.40 quarts/surface acre. The
cost of treatment is approximately $100-250/surface acre. The rates and prices given are only
approximations and will vary depending on the manufacturer, supplier, and extent of vegetation
coverage. As always, read and follow
label directions of the particular herbicide being used.

The user is always responsible for the effects of herbicide residues on livestock and crops, as
well as problems that could arise from drift or movement of the herbicide from his or her
property to that of others. Prepared by Joe Morris, extension aquaculture specialist and Charles
Mischke, Department of Animal Ecology, Iowa State University.

The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial
products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no
endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is implied.
 10. Fluidized Bed Reactor

Aerobic fluidized bed reactors (FBRs) are used as a new technology in wastewater treatment. An
aerobic fluidized bed reactor with granulated activated carbon (GAC) as carrier material can be
operated under different conditions, including batch-loading, semi continuous loading, and
continuous loading.
The basic idea behind the Fluidized Bed Reactor is to have a continuous operating non-clogging bio film
reactor which requires (1) no back-washing, (2) has low head loss and (3) high specific bio film surface
area. This is achieved by having the biomass to grow on small carrier elements that move with the liquid
in the reactor. The movement within the reactor is generated by aeration in the aerobic reactor. These bio-
film carriers are made of special grade plastic density close to that of water.

The fluidized bed reactor employs fixed film principle and makes the treatment process more user
friendly because it does not require sludge recycle i.e. synonymous with conventional ASP. The absence
of sludge recycle frees the operator from the enormous task of measurement and monitoring MLSS levels
in the tank and adjusting recycle rations continuously, due to fluctuating inlet COD loads. FBR produces
small quantity of sludge which requires no further treatment.

Fluidized Bed Reactor technology is used in small Sewage Treatment Plants for treating city wastewater,
industrial sewage treatment plant from food waste, paper waste and chemical waste etc. Due to fixed film
nature, these plants accept shock loads much better than those employed for suspended growth process.
Fluidized Bed Reactors are generally tall (6 m and above), thereby reducing cross-sectional area further.
 11. Sequential Batch Reactor

In this process, the raw sewage free from debris and grit shall be taken up for biological
treatment for removal of organic, nitrogen and phosphorus. The activated sludge bio-system is
designed using Advanced Cyclic Activated Sludge Technology which operates on extended
aeration activated sludge principle for the reduction of carbonaceous BOD, Nitrification,
Denitrification as well as phosphorus removal using energy efficient fine bubble diffused
aeration system with automatic control of air supply based on oxygen uptake rate.
In this form, the sequences of fill, aeration, settle and decant are consecutively and continuously
operated all in the same tank. No secondary clarifier system is required to concentrate the sludge
in the reactor. The return sludge is recycled and the surplus is wasted from the basin itself. The
complete biological operation is divided into the following cycles:
 Fill ? Aeration
 Settlement
 Decanting
These phases in a sequence constitute a cycle. During the period of a cycle, the liquid volume
inside the Reactor increases from a set operating bottom water level. During the Fill-Aeration
sequence mixed liquor from the aeration zone is recycled into the Selector. Aeration ends at a
predetermined period of the cycle to allow the biomass to flocculate and settle under quiescent
conditions. After a specific setting period, the treated supernatant is decanted, using a moving
weir Decanter. The liquid level in the Reactor is so returned to bottom water level after which the
cycle is repeated. Solids are separated from the reactor during the decanting phase. The system
selected is capable of achieving the following:
i) Bio-degradation of organics present in the wastewater by Extended Aeration Process.
ii) Oxidation of sulphides in the wastewater
iii) Co-current nitrification and denitrification of Ammonical nitrogen in the aeration zone.
iv) Removal of phosphorous
C. Advanced/ Tertiary treatment

Tertiary and/or advanced wastewater treatment is employed when specific wastewater

constituents which cannot be removed by secondary treatment must be removed. The
treatment processes are necessary to remove nitrogen, phosphorus, additional
suspended solids, refractory organics, heavy metals and dissolved solids. Because
advanced treatment usually follows high-rate secondary treatment, it is sometimes
referred to as tertiary treatment. However, advanced treatment processes are
sometimes combined with primary or secondary treatment (e.g., chemical addition to
primary clarifiers or aeration basins to remove phosphorus) or used in place of
secondary treatment (e.g., overland flow treatment of primary effluent).

Chrome Recovery System

This system based on ion exchange principle, will remove both Hexavalent chromium as anion
and Trivalent chromium, Nickel, Iron etc. as cation, in a two bed ion exchange system.
The static rinse after chrome palting drag out tank, containing Hexavalent chrome ions and othe
cationic impurities like trivalent chrome, Nickel, iron, copper etc. is pumped through chrome
recovery coloumns. The strongly acidic cation exchanger removes trivalent chromium (and other
cations) while the macroracticular weak base anion exchange resin removes the haxavalent
chrome. This produces deionised water which can be recycled in a closed loop system.
The hexavlent chromium is eluted from anion exchanger with sodium Hydroxide in a
concentrated solution. This solution is further passed through a third column containing strongly
acidic resin in the hydrogen form. to recover chromic acid which can be recycled to the plating
bath after concentrating in an evaporator.

Chrome Recovery and Recycling

A proportion of pollution generated from leather manufacturing can be contributed to the
inefficiency of chemical use in leather processing and to organic substances derived from the
hides during processing. In particular, the overall tanning processes performed in drums can
be characterised by a high consumption of water and tanning agents, most of which are found in
the final wastewater. To increase the efficiency of leather production, chromium is added in
excess and is only partly taken up by the leather. Significant chromium savings can be achieved
by applying modern chrome recovery and recycling technologies, thus reducing environmental
impacts.
The novel chrome recycling process uses robust and easy maintainable microfiltration
membranes. The porous Polyester cloth retains and concentrates alkaline chrome hydroxide,
achieving chrome concentrations of up to 30 g/l Cr3+ and a volume reduction of up to 90 %. The
highly concentrated chrome hydroxide can be then acidified with sulphuric acid and polished
with the same membrane plant. Fats, proteins and fibres are retained and high quality chrome
liquors are ready for re-use for tanning.